Empty B&B to be turned into HMOs

A former B&B will be converted into two houses in multiple occupation (HMO) with a total of 14 bedrooms.

More than 20 residents objected to the plan for the former Comat Hotel in Yarra Road, Cleethorpes, which has been empty since February 2025.

They cited concerns over parking, overcrowding and fears about increased anti-social behaviour and crime, North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee heard.

But Councillor Ian Lindley said "hysteria" was being "whipped up" about HMOs, adding: "I don't think it's fair that we should label them as people who will resort to anti-social behaviour."

Under the plans, the property will be converted into one six-bed house and one with eight beds, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Matt Deakins, the agent for the applicant, argued that, like a guest house, HMOs were not a place where people permanently lived.

He said HMOs were "one of the most heavily regulated types of accommodation that you will come across".

However, Councillor Oliver Freeston said: "In a guest house, they will stay for a matter of days. In an HMO, they'll stay for a matter of months, if not years."

He said all the residents on the street he had spoken to were "against it".

Councillor Paul Bright also opposed the application, arguing it did not respect the character of the area and offered no mitigation for parking, noise and other potential issues.

"It's just the wrong place," he said.

But Councillor Tim Mickleburgh warned the building might be targeted by vandals if left empty.

The application was approved by seven votes to two, with one abstention.

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